Architecture

The Bot
All wats usually include an ordination or assembly hall known as the bot or sometimes known as an ubosot. The bot is reserved for monks to perform ceremonies, meditate and sermonize. It faces east and usually houses the main Buddha image.

Bai Semas
Surrounding the bot are bai semas. These are sacred boundary stones, used to demarcate the sacred ground of the bot and to keep away evil spirits. Normally eight are used in total, but double slab stones for royal wats. This is also an example of how animist beliefs coexist with Buddhism.

The Wihan
A second assembly hall, similar to the bot but usually larger, is the wilhan. Within a complex, there may be several wilhan and each may have an eclectic mix of architectural styles. The wilhan is used by laypeople to make their offering before a large Buddha figure. Normally there are no bai semas surrounding the wihan.

The Chedi
The Chedi is a solid dome-shaped structure where relics of Buddha may be housed, such as a bone fragment or hair, or the ashes of a past king. Some Thai wat complexes are specifically designed and built around the sacred Chedi.

The Vishnu
At the top of a Chedi may be a stylized thunderbolt sign of the Vishnu, an ancient Hindu lord of the universe.

The Prang
A few wats have prangs, which are towering phallic spires as can be seen in the famous Wat Arun on the banks of the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok.

The Chofa
The chofa is perhaps the most recognizable architectural detail in any wat. Chofa means, ‘tassel of air’ and its shape is thought to derive from a highly stylized Garuda, a fierce bird featured in Hindu mythology. The Garuda is also a royal symbol and can be seen on other buildings denoting that they operate ‘by royal appointment’.

The Mondop
The mondop is a square-based structure topped with either a cruciform roof or a spire. The edifice contains sacred text or an object of worship.

The Bodhi tree
Most wats will also include a Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa), also known as the Sacred Figar Pipal tree. The Buddha is thought to have attained enlightment (Bodhi) while neditating under a Bodhi Tree at Boghi-Guy in India.

The Cloister
The cloisters or main wall will enclose the main area of the wat complex (known as the phutthawat). The cloisters are sometimes painted with decorative murals and also may house a row of Buddha images.

The Sanghawat
These are the monks' living quarters and dormitories and are usually in a separate compound.

The Ho Rakangs
These are bell towers and are used to toll the hour and summon the monks to prayer.

The Minor Salas
This hall acts as a meeting place for Pilgrims.

The Ho Trai
This is the wat library and houses Holy Scriptures. A ho trai is a rare feature of the wat complex. In the countryside they are usually on a high base or surrounded by water to minimize insect damage by insects.

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